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DeBord looks for best way to ‘move the ball’

Tennessee’s second-year offensive coordinator doesn’t have a certain run-pass ratio in mind that his group has to meet. The run game doesn’t take any precedent over the pass or vice versa. Instead, winning gets priority over everything.

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Tennessee's second-year offensive coordinator doesn't have a certain run-pass ratio in mind that his group has to meet. The run game doesn't take any precedent over the pass or vice versa. Instead, winning gets priority over everything.

"We just want to score points on offense and we want to win games, whatever that takes," DeBord said on Thursday. "If that takes throwing it more than running it, we'll do that."

Out of 988 snaps last season, Tennessee ran the football 617 times for 2,908 yards. The Vols attempted 371 passes, completing 220 for 2,582 yards.

In the SEC, only Alabama (642) had more rush attempts last season. UT was 10th in the SEC in passing attempts, ahead of South Carolina (351), Georgia (327), Auburn (306) and LSU (277).

"I'm not tied up in running the ball or throwing the ball either one," DeBord said. "Whatever is the best way for us to move the ball."

Instead of reaching a specific number in either area, DeBord's idea of balance changes weekly according to the opponent. In part it's taking what the defense is giving. At the same time, it's doing what his team does best.

"It's funny because I came from a place that was not a tempo offense," said Shoop, who left Penn State to join the Vols. "Our players were more accustomed to it the first day of practice than I was. They just look at it as another day at the office.

"I was all worked up about it. They said, 'No, coach, don't worry about. We got this.' "

Shoop has adjusted to the speed, but DeBord's offense has kept his defense guessing.

"I think the thing that (DeBord) does so well is within the framework of a single play, there can be a handoff to the running back, a keep by the quarterback and they tie in a pass game out on the perimeter," Shoop said.

"Theoretically I think they look at it and say the defense can't be right. 'Based on how (the defense) reacts, we're going to react in a different way.' We have to really be disciplined."

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Tennessee suddenly looked a lot healthier at Thursday's practice.

Junior receiver Josh Malone, junior defensive end Derek Barnett, sophomore defensive end Kyle Phillips, junior defensive back Evan Berry and redshirt junior defensive lineman Kendal Vickers all participated in practice for the first time all spring after missing the rest of the period with injuries.

The practice was not full-contact, however, as Tennessee players wore helmets, jerseys and shorts.

The five players are not expected to participate in Saturday's Orange and White Game.